Deng, Noah lead Bulls past Pistons 83-71 (Yahoo! Sports)

Luol Deng understands it might not mean much if the Chicago Bulls are still banged up once the playoffs roll around. Even so, he has a good feeling as the postseason approaches. "I think we learned so much from last year," he said. "I think as a group, we're more confident this year." A run to the Eastern Conference finals whetted their appetite.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/nba/SIG=11k10krvk/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap?gid=2012033004

Carmelo Anthony Tracy McGrady Scott Speed Yao Ming Robert Kubica Landon Cassill

2012 Honda NSX Concept Next-generation Supercar

Press Release: Honda at the Geneva Motorshow 2012 6 March 2012 The first engine from Honda’s ground breaking new Earth Dreams Technology range will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show 2012. The 1.6litre i-DTEC is the first in a new generation of engines being introduced to Honda models over the next three years. Lining up next to the new 1.6litre i-DTEC is the stunning Honda NSX Concept and European CR-V Prototype. Honda will also have the European premiere of the EV-STER, the next-generation electric small sports concept model in the form of an ...

Source: http://www.distrocars.com/2012-honda-nsx-concept

Bobby Labonte Ryan Newman Atlanta Hawks UPS Ford Dirk Nowitzki Michael Curtis Waltrip

KG 6-0 against former team as Celtics top Wolves (Yahoo! Sports)

As much as Kevin Garnett wants everyone to believe he's put the Minnesota Timberwolves in his rearview mirror, he's still been watching -- and listening. The 35-year-old Garnett has heard some suggest that 23-year-old Kevin Love has already usurped him as the best Timberwolves player ever. Love may one day get there.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/nba/SIG=11k1ac2ar/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap?gid=2012033016

Tony Raines New York Knicks Washington Wizards Miami Heat Bradley Reed Sorenson Stanley Ford

Review: 2012 BMW 335i [w/video]

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, BMW, New Car Reviews, Luxury

For The Enthusiast Who Isn't Ready To Embrace The Future



The 328i is better than the 335i.

We are not the only ones claiming that the entry-level BMW 3 Series, fitted with a clamorous lightweight turbocharged four-cylinder engine, is more agile and tossable than its turbocharged six-cylinder sibling - it appears to many that the segment leader has been displaced by its weaker brother.

Well, maybe.

That big 'maybe,' and a whole bunch of its little 'maybe' associates, are what convinced us to grab the keys to a brand-new six-cylinder BMW and take it home for a week. Our objective was to determine why the muscular 335i, long the performance benchmark of compact sport sedans, was getting its tailpipes handed to it by its four-banger kin.

To solve the riddle, we put more than 1,500 miles on a brand-new 335i Sport configured with a six-speed manual transmission. Of course, we liked much of what we experienced, as the redesign fits the 3 Series very well. But we also exposed a few holes in its once-impenetrable armor - some big enough to let two fewer cylinders slip by. Has the quickest and highest-performing of the non-M 3 Series models really lost its top spot on the palace throne? If so, why would someone still want a 335i?

Continue reading 2012 BMW 335i [w/video]

2012 BMW 335i [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/30/2012-bmw-335i-review/

Chris Lawrence Extenze Toyota Mikko Kozarowitzky Anthony Wayne Stewart Kevin Harvick Andrew Bynum

2013 Toyota Yaris Hybrid Offering a Unique Driving & Ownership Experience

Press Release: Yaris Hybrid, A Pioneering Offer For The B-Segment — Yaris brings full hybrid technology to the European B-segment for the first time, offering a unique driving and ownership experience — Combines Yaris design with hybrid cues to offer distinctive and refined styling — Breakthrough in hybrid packaging maintains identical occupant space and luggage capacity to standard model range — Segment leading CO2 emissions of just 79 g/km from downsized full hybrid powertrain, and fuel consumption of 3.5 l/100 km — Representing 20% of all Yaris model range sales, on sale throughout Europe from May 2012 The ...

Source: http://www.distrocars.com/2013-toyota-yaris-hybrid

Jeff Burton Houston Rockets Jerry Stackhouse Michael Stephen Wallace Charlotte Bobcats Barnes Sadler

Video: Overshadowed in New Orleans

Rece Davis, Hubert Davis, Dick Vitale and Jay Bilas look ahead to Ohio State-Kansas.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/56962/video-overshadowed-in-new-orleans

Nate Robinson Sacramento Kings Indiana Pacers Utah Jazz Claudio Langes Christopher Beltram

2012 Rolls-Royce Two-Tone Ghost Finished in Infinity Black, with a Cassiopeia Silver Upper Two-tone

Press Release: ROLLS-ROYCE GHOST RAISES THE TWO-TONE IN GENEVA 09.03.2012 While the launch of Phantom Series II has been making headlines centre stage at the Geneva motor show, a very special Rolls-Royce Ghost has also been winning admirers in the company’s exclusive on-stand guest lounge. Clients, dealers and media guests have been delighted by the presentation of one of the first examples of a two-tone Rolls-Royce Ghost, a bespoke option offered for the first time this year, complementing the popularity of two-tone Phantom models. Finished in Infinity Black, with a Cassiopeia Silver upper two-tone, ...

Source: http://www.distrocars.com/2012-rolls-royce-two-tone-ghost

Utah Jazz Claudio Langes Christopher Beltram New Orleans Hornets GEICO Toyota Red Bull Toyota

Report: Mulally receives nearly $30M in compensation for 2011

Filed under: Ford, Earnings/Financials

If you're Alan Mulally's gardener, it's probably a good time to ask the boss for a raise. The Ford Chief Executive Officer just pocketed $58.3 million in stock earlier in the month, and now his 2011 compensation has been made public - and it's increased some 11 percent.

Mulally received $29.5 million in 2011, according to The Detroit News, more than twice the next-highest-paid Ford officer cited in the report, Executive Chairman Bill Ford Jr., whose total compensation was $14.46 million. While Mulally's salary amounts to a paltry $2 million, he was paid a $5.46 million bonus, with the rest coming in "stock and option awards as well as personal expenses, which can entail personal use of private aircraft, cell phone use, security, and fuel and car washes," according to the report.

The News says Ford surpassed its profit targets in 2011, but missed other internal benchmarks.

Doing some quick math, Ford sold 5.7 million vehicles globally in 2011, meaning that Mulally pocketed $5.17 for each one.

Mulally receives nearly $30M in compensation for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/30/mulally-receives-nearly-30m-in-compensation-for-2011/

Dirk Nowitzki Michael Curtis Waltrip Richard Lee Rudd Hernandez Yeley Chris Bosh Kevin Conway

Granger, Hibbert lead Pacers past Wizards, 93-89 (Yahoo! Sports)

After a bad loss at New Jersey the previous night, the Indiana Pacers were determined to bounce back at home. Danny Granger scored 25 points to lead the Pacers to a 93-89 victory over the Washington Wizards on Thursday night. David West had 14 points and eight rebounds for the Pacers and George Hill also scored 14 points.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/nba/SIG=11kuqtj16/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap?gid=2012032911

3M Ford Philadelphia 76ers Kevin Garnett Ben Gordon NAPA Brakes Toyota Charter Air Transport Ford

Celtics Visit Wolves in a PF Battle of the Kevins

Source: http://www.celticsblog.com/2012/3/30/2914489/celtics-visit-wolves-in-a-pf-battle-of-the-kevins

Robert Kubica Landon Cassill Boston Celtics kendrick Perkins Tony Raines New York Knicks

Video: How Forza 4 recorded the Mazda 787B, its loudest car ever

Filed under: Videos, Mazda, Toys/Games, Racing

In the Forza Motorsport 4 vs. Gran Turismo 5 debate, no one questions Forza's commitment to genuine engine noise. Normally, the Turn 10 sound engineers use Dyno Authority in a business and residential area of Seattle to record their cars' sounds, but when it came to the 1991 Mazda 787B that was unleashed in February's ALMS DLC, the Le Mans-winning racer was just too loud.

In fact, the 700-horsepower 2.7-liter Wankel-engined legend with four rotors and its continuously variable intake was the loudest car that Forza engineers have ever caught on mic. Look below to watch a video on how they did it.

Continue reading How Forza 4 recorded the Mazda 787B, its loudest car ever

How Forza 4 recorded the Mazda 787B, its loudest car ever originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/29/how-forza-4-recorded-the-mazda-787b-its-loudest-car-ever/

Anthony Wayne Stewart Kevin Harvick Andrew Bynum Baron Davis Golden State Warriors Jacques Laffite

Mini honors Rauno Aaltonen with special edition hatchback

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Mini

Back in 1967, Mini shocked the world by winning the Monte Carlo Rally. The man behind the wheel was one Rauno Aaltonen, and now Mini is honoring the Finnish driving legend with a special edition bearing his name.

Available (in parts of Europe, anyway) on the classic three-door hatchback with either the Cooper or Cooper S engine spec, the Rauno Aaltonen edition comes painted red, while white features prominently on the roof, stripes up the hood, down the back and across the quarter-panels, side mirrors, hood intake and 17-inch wheels. Inside, Aaltonen's signature graces the speedo and the leather-wrapped steering wheel is unique as well.

The best part is that buyers of the Cooper S Rauno Aaltonen get a day of instruction at the ice-driving school run by the honoree's son Tino Aaltonen. Check out the special edition in the high-res image gallery.

Mini honors Rauno Aaltonen with special edition hatchback originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/30/mini-honors-rauno-aaltonen-with-special-edition-hatchback/

Landon Cassill Boston Celtics kendrick Perkins Tony Raines New York Knicks Washington Wizards

Video: Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 the star of Forza 4's April Alpinestars Pack

Filed under: Videos, Toys/Games

Sure, you can enjoy the Aston Martin LMP1 race car, a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 and the deviously capable Jaguar XKR-S in the new April Alpinestars Pack for Forza Motorsport 4. But a little further down the list of ten cars are some delightful sleepers: the 1972 Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 that would inaugurate AMG's tuning and motorsports credentials (our personal favorite), the 1995 BMW M5 that cemented that model's reputation, and the 1997 Volvo 850 R that was still glowing from the wagon's racing campaign in the British Touring Car Championship.

The pack will be available for 560 MS points on April 3 (or free for those with a Season Pass), and is rounded out by the Maserati Quattosporte Sport GT S, 1985 Mazda RX-7 GSL-SE, 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible, and 2012 Scion TC. You'll want to watch the associated video trailer, so click here for that.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 the star of Forza 4's April Alpinestars Pack

Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 the star of Forza 4's April Alpinestars Pack originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/29/mercedes-benz-300-sel-6-3-the-star-of-forza-4s-april-alpinestar/

Blake Griffin DuPont National Guard Military Intelligence Johnny Andrew Sauter Detroit Pistons Bobby Labonte Ryan Newman

Boston Celtics Daily Links 3/29

Source: http://www.celticsblog.com/2012/3/29/2910576/boston-celtics-daily-links-3-29

Jason Leffler Dallas Mavericks Jonathan Edward Wood Carmelo Anthony Tracy McGrady Scott Speed

Highlights: College slam dunk contest

James Justice from Martin Methodist wins the college dunk contest.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/56894/highlights-college-slam-dunk-contest

Michael Curtis Waltrip Richard Lee Rudd Hernandez Yeley Chris Bosh Kevin Conway Minnesota Timberwolves

Rumor: Blazers Interested in Danny Ainge?

Source: http://www.celticsblog.com/2012/3/29/2910032/rumor-blazers-interested-in-danny-ainge

Minnesota Timberwolves Chauncey Billups Chico Landi Casey Mears Jeff Green Glen Davis

Report: Judge says Chrysler doesn't have to reinstate closed dealers

Filed under: Government/Legal, Chrysler

Chrysler made the difficult (and controversial) decision in 2009 to close 789 dealerships leading up to the automaker's abbreviated bankruptcy. The move helped Chrysler eliminate some redundancies and limit in-brand competition, but many of the dealers who lost their franchises weren't at all pleased with the move.

It didn't take long for many of those dealers to sue Chrysler for the right to stay in business, and the court cases are still being settled in 2012. The Detroit News is reporting that a federal judge has ruled that Chrysler doesn't have to immediately reinstate eight dealers suing for the right to reopen their doors.

The eight dealers are among 82 that received arbitration after the forced closings. Fifty of those dealers were offered arbitration by Chrysler and another 32 retail outlets won arbitration in court. The arbitration didn't give those dealers the rights to re-open immediately, but it does set up boundaries to discuss agreeable terms for reopening.

While Chrysler can probably count this decision as a victory of sorts, the automaker still has 11 more lawsuits from U.S. dealers. So far, only 43 of the 789 dealers have been fully reinstated, and another 14 are still negotiating.

Judge says Chrysler doesn't have to reinstate closed dealers originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/29/judge-says-chrysler-doesnt-have-to-reinstate-closed-dealers/

Miller Lite Dodge Mario Chalmers Russell William Wallace Jr Blake Griffin DuPont National Guard Military Intelligence Johnny Andrew Sauter

Are The Sixers Set Up To Falter Down The Stretch?

Source: http://www.celticsblog.com/2012/3/29/2910042/are-the-sixers-set-up-to-falter-down-the-stretch

Martin Truex Jr Bass Pro Shops Tracker Chevrolet Dave Blaney Kurt Kuhnke Nate Robinson Sacramento Kings

2013 Toyota Yaris Hybrid Offering a Unique Driving & Ownership Experience

Press Release: Yaris Hybrid, A Pioneering Offer For The B-Segment — Yaris brings full hybrid technology to the European B-segment for the first time, offering a unique driving and ownership experience — Combines Yaris design with hybrid cues to offer distinctive and refined styling — Breakthrough in hybrid packaging maintains identical occupant space and luggage capacity to standard model range — Segment leading CO2 emissions of just 79 g/km from downsized full hybrid powertrain, and fuel consumption of 3.5 l/100 km — Representing 20% of all Yaris model range sales, on sale throughout Europe from May 2012 The ...

Source: http://www.distrocars.com/2013-toyota-yaris-hybrid

Martin Lee Truex Jr Kenyon Martin New Jersey Nets Pau Gasol Willi Krakau Pedro Lamy

Daily dose of sexy brought to you by HRE Wheels, Ferrari 458 Italia [w/video]

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ferrari, Design/Style, Luxury

We've spilled equal parts ink and drool over the new Vintage Series wheels from HRE. The pieces invoke all sorts of bedroom poster memories from our misspent youth, and seeing them bolted to some of our favorite modern supercars is enough to invoke a guaranteed smile.

The guys at StanceWorks have featured a particularly moving combination. One Ferrari 458 Italia owner opted for a set of 505s in matte bronze as an homage to the legendary P4/5. The combination Ferrari red and those fat five spokes is absolutely sublime.

If you're rolling your eyes at the thought of yet another garage queen getting a new set of shoes, take heart in the knowledge that this particular 458 is owned by a gentleman who isn't afraid to put miles on the clock. In just three months, the owner has rolled the odometer up to 6,000 miles, which means this car has had the opportunity to stretch its legs on more than one occasion. Perfection.

Scroll down for a quick video of the car by our friends at eGarage, and be sure to crank the volume toward the end.

Continue reading Daily dose of sexy brought to you by HRE Wheels, Ferrari 458 Italia [w/video]

Daily dose of sexy brought to you by HRE Wheels, Ferrari 458 Italia [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/29/daily-dose-of-sexy-brought-to-you-by-hre-wheels-ferrari-458-ita/

Jeff Gordon Rudolf Krause Joe Nemechek Washington Scott Alan Wimmer Hermann Lang Los Angeles Clippers

Report: Back in Black? California mulling return of vintage-style plates

Filed under: Classics, Etc., Government/Legal

California Assemblyman Mike Gatto has introduced Bill 1658, which could eventually return three kinds of vintage license plates to California roads: yellow and black plates from the mid 1950s, black and yellow plates from the 1960s - such as the sample 1963 plate pictured - and blue and yellow plates from the '70s.

The initiative is called the Legacy License Plate Program, but before you collectors and period-correct enthusiasts salivate over - or lament - the possibilities, it has a few hurdles to clear. First, the bill has to be passed when its put to a vote on April 9, which is expected. Then it would only come into effect after 2,500 people had signed up for the plates, assuming that the DMV did its math correctly and had enough money to pay for it. Finally, once all of that got checked off, the program would begin in 2014.

Current regulations mean that in California, the license plate has almost always lived with the car since new, so if you see a black plate on a 1966 Corvair, then that tag was minted the same year as that Chevrolet. The plates will be updated to modern standards, e.g., reflective paint, so they won't look just like the old timers, but we figure vintage-minded owners won't be fussed at all.

Back in Black? California mulling return of vintage-style plates originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/29/back-in-black-california-mulling-return-of-vintage-style-plates/

Landon Cassill Boston Celtics kendrick Perkins Tony Raines New York Knicks Washington Wizards

Boston Celtics Daily Links 3/29

Source: http://www.celticsblog.com/2012/3/29/2910576/boston-celtics-daily-links-3-29

David Gilliland Furniture Row Chevrolet Regan Smith Oklahoma City Thunder Travis Kvapil Old Spice Office Depot Chevrolet

Boston Celtics Daily Links 3/29

Source: http://www.celticsblog.com/2012/3/29/2910576/boston-celtics-daily-links-3-29

Scott Alan Wimmer Hermann Lang Los Angeles Clippers Rasheed Wallace Jan Lammers Jason Terry

Shelby caught Photoshopping drama into press images

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Ford

As impressive as the Shelby 1000 is, someone at Shelby apparently thought 950 horsepower wasn't good enough. With a few clicks of the mouse, a photo of one of the muscled-up pony cars was given a little drama to boost excitement.

At first, Shelby's official line was that nothing in the photo was altered except shadows and that, yes, the super Shelby's front end did in fact lift several inches off the ground in the photo you see above.

But anyone with at least one good eye can see several problems. Apparently, that does not include the Autoblog staff. We totally missed it, but one of our attentive readers, ZeGerman, caught it well before anyone else.

First, there's an odd blur just beneath the front passenger side tire and just a sliver remains of the tire that was airbrushed out. If you're gonna fake a photo, show some skill.

Second, a wheelstand would be virtually impossible to do with that much horsepower on street tires.

Third, check out those rear tires. They're standing stock still and, as another reader, gtv4rudy, points out, there's light showing through the tread. The rear tires aren't digging into the tarmac at all.

Shelby, rightly, now admits to Drive On at USA Today that the front wheels were lifted not by a super powerful engine, but instead by super powerful photo manipulation software. Why, Shelby, why? You had us at 950 hp!

Shelby caught Photoshopping drama into press images originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/28/shelby-caught-photoshopping-drama-into-press-images/

Indiana Pacers Utah Jazz Claudio Langes Christopher Beltram New Orleans Hornets GEICO Toyota

Auctions: eBay Find of the Day: 1970 Jeep Jeepster Commando Hurst

Filed under: Classics, SUV, Auctions, Jeep, Off-Road

As a rule, Hurst used to be a company that was more than happy to partner with just about any automaker that walked through the door. While we're plenty familiar with vehicles like the Hurst Oldsmobile 442, more obscure relics like the 1980 Hurst Shawnee International Harvester Scout and this Jeep Jeepster Commando also populate the pages of the company's history books. Details like one very patriotic stripe package, a hood scoop and a hood-mounted tachometer all help set this Jeepster apart from its kin. Of course, a Hurst gated automatic shifter and appropriate badges are also part of the package.

This particular example is up for bid with only a few hours left on the auction. The price has inched up to $7,500 with the reserve still not met. With a shave over 73,000 miles on the odometer and one of the cleanest Jeepster bodies we've ever seen, this particular Commando is a little bit of work away from being a unique museum piece. Head over to eBay Motors for a closer look.

eBay Find of the Day: 1970 Jeep Jeepster Commando Hurst originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/28/ebay-find-of-the-day-1970-jeep-jeepster-commando-hurst/

Scott Alan Wimmer Hermann Lang Los Angeles Clippers Rasheed Wallace Jan Lammers Jason Terry

Griffin's strong finish lifts Clippers over Suns (Yahoo! Sports)

The Clippers' playoff chances are looking stronger and stronger. The Phoenix Suns' situation is becoming bleaker with every loss. Blake Griffin threw down three dunks in a 1:40 span late in the fourth quarter and had 27 points and 14 rebounds in the Clippers' 103-86 victory over the Suns on Wednesday night.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/nba/SIG=11ksjctvd/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap?gid=2012032812

Greg Biffle David Gilliland Furniture Row Chevrolet Regan Smith Oklahoma City Thunder Travis Kvapil

Official: 2013 Ford Explorer Sport brings SHO-like performance to big CUV [UPDATE w/video]

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Performance, SUV, Crossover, Ford

The last time we remember talking about a high-performance Ford Explorer was 2007 when a rare Saleen Explorer XP8 popped up on eBay Motors. For the 2013 model year, however, Ford will start producing high performance Explorers right at the factory. Dubbed the Explorer Sport, this new addition to the Explorer lineup sports the same twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 found in the Taurus SHO, Flex, F-150 and Lincoln MKS and MKT. It produces the least amount of power in this application - 350 horsepower - and while Ford doesn't mention torque figures in the press release below, we can assume somewhere around 350 lb-ft.

Ford is projecting fuel economy numbers in the neighborhood of 16 miles per gallon in the city and 22 mpg highway, and says the Explorer Sport can also tow up to 5,000 pounds. Other tweaks to get this three-row crossover dancing include reinforcements to the chassis, a faster ratio for its electric steering system, a unique 3.16:1 final drive ratio and larger brakes. There are also paddles to shift the six-speed automatic transmission and special settings for the Explorer's Terrain Management System.

When treating the Explorer Sport to a few exterior changes, Ford designers went with a dark theme, blacking out the lighting elements, roof rails and sideview mirrors, as well as the grille, lower front fascia and wheel faces. Inside the Explorer Sport gets Charcoal Black leather seating, with or without contrasting inserts, and special stitching on the seats and steering wheel.

No pricing was given, but the new Sport model will sit atop the Explorer line, which means a base price north of the Explorer Limited's at $38,180. Ford is showing the Explorer Sport at a media event near its headquarters in Dearborn as we speak, so stay tuned for the first live images of the Explorer Sport as we get them.

*UPDATE: Video added after the break.

Continue reading 2013 Ford Explorer Sport brings SHO-like performance to big CUV [UPDATE w/video]

2013 Ford Explorer Sport brings SHO-like performance to big CUV [UPDATE w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/28/2013-ford-explorer-sport-brings-sho-like-performance-to-big-cuv/

Charter Air Transport Ford Phoenix Construction Chevrolet Chevrolet Jeff Burton Houston Rockets Jerry Stackhouse Michael Stephen Wallace

Official: 2013 Ford Explorer Sport brings SHO-like performance to big CUV [UPDATE w/video]

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Performance, SUV, Crossover, Ford

The last time we remember talking about a high-performance Ford Explorer was 2007 when a rare Saleen Explorer XP8 popped up on eBay Motors. For the 2013 model year, however, Ford will start producing high performance Explorers right at the factory. Dubbed the Explorer Sport, this new addition to the Explorer lineup sports the same twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 found in the Taurus SHO, Flex, F-150 and Lincoln MKS and MKT. It produces the least amount of power in this application - 350 horsepower - and while Ford doesn't mention torque figures in the press release below, we can assume somewhere around 350 lb-ft.

Ford is projecting fuel economy numbers in the neighborhood of 16 miles per gallon in the city and 22 mpg highway, and says the Explorer Sport can also tow up to 5,000 pounds. Other tweaks to get this three-row crossover dancing include reinforcements to the chassis, a faster ratio for its electric steering system, a unique 3.16:1 final drive ratio and larger brakes. There are also paddles to shift the six-speed automatic transmission and special settings for the Explorer's Terrain Management System.

When treating the Explorer Sport to a few exterior changes, Ford designers went with a dark theme, blacking out the lighting elements, roof rails and sideview mirrors, as well as the grille, lower front fascia and wheel faces. Inside the Explorer Sport gets Charcoal Black leather seating, with or without contrasting inserts, and special stitching on the seats and steering wheel.

No pricing was given, but the new Sport model will sit atop the Explorer line, which means a base price north of the Explorer Limited's at $38,180. Ford is showing the Explorer Sport at a media event near its headquarters in Dearborn as we speak, so stay tuned for the first live images of the Explorer Sport as we get them.

*UPDATE: Video added after the break.

Continue reading 2013 Ford Explorer Sport brings SHO-like performance to big CUV [UPDATE w/video]

2013 Ford Explorer Sport brings SHO-like performance to big CUV [UPDATE w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/28/2013-ford-explorer-sport-brings-sho-like-performance-to-big-cuv/

Toronto Raptors Rajon Rondo Greg Biffle David Gilliland Furniture Row Chevrolet Regan Smith

Don't Expect The Celtics To Add Another Big

Source: http://www.celticsblog.com/2012/3/27/2906138/dont-expect-the-celtics-to-add-another-big

Dirk Nowitzki Michael Curtis Waltrip Richard Lee Rudd Hernandez Yeley Chris Bosh Kevin Conway

Video: More on the Illinois coaching search

Ryan Burr, Miles Simon, and Doug Gottlieb break down the Illinois coaching search and debate why several coaches have passed on the job.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/56688/video-more-on-the-illinois-coaching-search

Los Angeles Clippers Rasheed Wallace Jan Lammers Jason Terry Braun Racing Toyota Brian Lee Vickers

Jazz at Celtics - Battle of the Seventh Seeds

Source: http://www.celticsblog.com/2012/3/28/2909093/jazz-at-celtics-battle-of-the-seventh-seeds

J.R Smith David Ragan Martin Lee Truex Jr Kenyon Martin New Jersey Nets Pau Gasol

Jazz at Celtics - Battle of the Seventh Seeds

Source: http://www.celticsblog.com/2012/3/28/2909093/jazz-at-celtics-battle-of-the-seventh-seeds

Jacques Laffite Jason Leffler Dallas Mavericks Jonathan Edward Wood Carmelo Anthony Tracy McGrady

Teased: 2013 Lexus ES teased ahead of New York debut

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Lexus, Luxury

Lexus has released this teaser image of the 2013 ES sedan, and - surprise, surprise - it shows off the spindle grille and LED running lamps found on each and every one of the automaker's vehicles. More to the point, it looks exactly like what we saw in a set of Chinese spy shots that we posted last month, so really, there isn't much left for us to speculate on in terms of design.

The Camry-based Lexus mid-sizer will likely debut in ES 350 guise, powered by Toyota's tried-and-true 3.5-liter V6. And while, historically, there's only been one engine offered in the ES range, rumor has it that this sixth-generation model may gain a hybrid variant with a version of the Camry Hybrid's gasoline-electric powertrain. Regardless, Lexus states that the new ES will feature "a new dynamic driving experience." We'll see about that.

Inside, expect a host of updates similar to what we've seen on the GS sedan, including a larger infotainment display screen and mouse-like controller, as well as the addition of Lexus Enform. We'll have the full details next week live from New York, so stay tuned. For now, hit the jump for the automaker's brief press blast.

Continue reading 2013 Lexus ES teased ahead of New York debut

2013 Lexus ES teased ahead of New York debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/28/2013-lexus-es-teased-ahead-of-new-york-debut/

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2012 Hyundai i-ioniq Concept Electric Sports Hatchback with Range-extender

Press Release: Hyundai Unveils Unique New Concept Car: i-oniq Geneva show car, i-oniq, embodies ‘New Thinking. New Possibilities.’ Concept model is an electric sports hatchback with range-extender Demonstrates next evolution of Hyundai’s fluidic sculpture design language Hyundai has unveiled its latest European concept car, named i-oniq, at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, showcasing new technology and design which present an impression of the company’s future thinking. The 4,4 meters long i-oniq is an electric sports hatchback with a range-extending petrol engine. Intended to convey the latest thinking from Hyundai’s designers and engineers, the i-oniq evolves the ...

Source: http://www.distrocars.com/2012-hyundai-i-ioniq-concept

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At the Watercooler: Ohio State vs. Kansas

Editor's note: Ohio State and Kansas are readying for just the second meeting of 2-seeds since seeding began in 1979. Before they get started, Eamonn Brennan and Myron Medcalf discuss the matchup between the Buckeyes and Jayhawks. Eamonn Brennan: All right, Myron, it's Final Four Watercooler time, part the deuce. We chatted up Louisville and Kentucky yesterday, and we're back, back again, to discuss the other game in the bracket. This return is second only to The Rock's return to Raw Monday night.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/56705/at-the-watercooler-ohio-state-vs-kansas

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Frank Martin: Best Gamecocks coach ever?

OK, OK, I know, I know: Frank Martin has yet to coach a game at South Carolina. You have to coach a game at a school before you can be placed in the annals of said school's greatest all-time coaches. Coaching at Kansas State is not quite like coaching at South Carolina, and there's a chance Martin could fail miserably in Columbia. I don't think that's likely, but I get what you're saying. So let's ignore the superlatives. Let's instead talk about the hire itself, which Martin and South Carolina officially announced Tuesday.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/56656/frank-martin-best-gamecocks-coach-ever

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Parker, Duncan send Spurs to 5th straight win (Yahoo! Sports)

Tony Parker, Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili have been beating the Phoenix Suns for a long time. No one should be surprised they were the main protagonists in yet another San Antonio victory Tuesday night. Parker scored eight points in a 10-0 run early in the fourth quarter, and the Spurs went on to win their fifth in a row and eighth in nine games with a 107-100 victory over the Suns.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/nba/SIG=11k6tlnmt/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap?gid=2012032721

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Celtics vs Bobcats - On the Road Again

Source: http://www.celticsblog.com/2012/3/26/2903968/celtics-vs-bobcats-on-the-road-again

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Report: GM's biggest hurdle to recruiting new talent? Finding people to live in Detroit

Filed under: Government/Legal, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, GM

Believe it or not, there was once a time when Detroit was a hustling and bustling urban metropolis - a desirable city in which to live. Today? Sure, there are some hardcore Detroit supporters, and there are certainly nice areas in and around Detroit to call home, but the truth is that the United States population at large doesn't have Detroit high on its list of places to relocate.

Part of the reason Detroit doesn't make an attractive home is that the city's finances are hardly in order. In fact, as pointed out by The Detroit News, the city is negotiating with the State of Michigan to avoid a takeover of the city. Even though a consent agreement is possible, none of this helps Detroit-based corporations like General Motors lure workers into the city's borders.

Current GM CEO Dan Akerson said in an interview that he hopes his company can contribute to Detroit's revival, but "wouldn't pretend to know what the best solution is." Neither would we. Like Akerson, though, we hope the home of the Big Three gets back on its feet with as much solidity as the automakers seem to have managed.

GM's biggest hurdle to recruiting new talent? Finding people to live in Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/27/gms-biggest-hurdle-to-recruiting-new-talent-finding-people-to/

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Official: Shelby previews 1000-HP Super-Stang ahead of New York debut

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Ford

For some, the horsepower wars being waged by auto manufacturers over the past few years are getting a bit out of hand. A 550-hp factory Camaro? A 650-hp factory Mustang? Ridiculous. But if you count massive amounts of gas-guzzling horsepower and torque a crime (we don't), then the worst of all offenders is perhaps Shelby. Last year at the New York Auto Show, the company unveiled its most powerful creation to date: the 2012 GT500 Super Snake, with up to 800 horsepower. And while 800 hp is just bonkers, Shelby's next trick is even more insane.

Today, Shelby American has revealed the 2012 Shelby 1000. The name of, course, is taken from the car's horsepower figure, which is around 950 in street trim and around 1,100 in the S/C track version. To harness the extra power, Shelby has installed a beefier suspension, larger brakes, a single-piece driveshaft and a nine-inch rear end, but we're guessing it will still be quite a handful on the street.

Only a limited number of 2012 Shelby 1000 models will be produced, with the post-title package (not including the base GT500 donor car) starting at $149,995. That means the total cost will ring in at right around $200,000. Shelby says that it will start taking orders once the car is officially unveiled at the New York Auto Show next week. Hit the jump for the official press release.

Continue reading Shelby previews 1000-HP Super-Stang ahead of New York debut

Shelby previews 1000-HP Super-Stang ahead of New York debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/27/shelby-previews-1000-hp-super-stang-ahead-of-new-york-debut/

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NBA unveils shirts with player Twitter handles (Yahoo! Sports)

The NBA has launched a series of T-shirts featuring players' Twitter handles. The shirts, available at www.NBAStore.com, feature a hashtag with the team's logo on one side. On the other, the player's Twitter handle appears above his uniform number. The T-shirts feature the handles of some of the league's most active players on Twitter, including Kevin Durant, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo...

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/nba/SIG=11uii9s7i/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-nba-twittershirts

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Celtics Snapshot: Gut Check Time

Source: http://www.celticsblog.com/2012/3/27/2905947/celtics-snapshot-gut-check-time

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Boston Celtics Daily Links 3/26

Source: http://www.celticsblog.com/2012/3/26/2903740/boston-celtics-daily-links-3-26

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Report: Flood-stricken Thai Honda plant comes back online after six months [w/video]

Filed under: Budget, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Honda

It's been six months since extensive flooding put a strangle hold on manufacturing in Thailand. Now, Reuters reports that Honda has finally resumed production at its Ayutthaya plant. All told, the disaster is said to have cost the company the production of around 260,000 vehicles worldwide for the fiscal year that ended last month.

While a rash of parts suppliers and other manufacturers were forced to shut down during the flooding, Honda was arguably hit the worst. According to Reuters, Toyota and Nissan were able to adjust production to include suppliers from other countries, but Honda was stuck with a fully flooded facility.

The Ayutthaya plant builds the Honda Fit for the Asian and Australian markets. After the flood waters receded in October, Honda vowed not to use any parts or sell any vehicles damaged by the disaster. As a result, hundreds of otherwise new vehicles were sent to scrap. Hit the jump to see video of the cars awaiting their destruction.

Continue reading Flood-stricken Thai Honda plant comes back online after six months [w/video]

Flood-stricken Thai Honda plant comes back online after six months [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/27/flood-stricken-thai-honda-plant-comes-back-online-after-six-mont/

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